COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What to Expect
May 11, 2021
By Paris Blanco
Co-Editor-in-Chief
After April 15, 2021, all California residents aged 16 and older were deemed eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. This marks the second date within California’s aged based vaccination rollout (following the age 50 and up eligibility on April 1).
The primary way vaccine appointments are scheduled in California is through the government’s My Turn website. This service allows for any California resident to find a vaccination site in their given area. From there, users can check the availability of their chosen site. However, for specific vaccination sites users will be redirected to schedule an appointment with that location directly. All teenagers under 18 will need parent or guardian permission and presence to get vaccinated.
According to Governor Newsom’s announcement on April 15, “Today’s vaccine eligibility expansion is a major milestone in our state’s fight against the pandemic and another step on the path to reopening fully in the coming months. California will need all hands on deck to keep up this progress, and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC HEALTH
Above is an announcement released by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health outlining the vaccination requirements for those who are 16 and older.
Most vaccination sites have the option of a walk-up or drive-through administration. With a walk-up, you will have to exit your car in order to receive the vaccination. On the other hand, with drive-up, the vaccine is administered to you while you are in the car. Vaccination sites advise that you remain at the site for at least 15 minutes in order to monitor for any allergic reactions or complications. All vaccine recipients will also receive a vaccine card as documentation of which doses they have been given.
SEGA senior Tasos Lilis (17) states, “My vaccination experience was very easy and organized and it did not take very long. After receiving the first dose, my arm only hurt for a day.”
“The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools we have available to end the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Long Beach Government Media Relations Rep, Jennifer De Prez, “The vaccines are safe, free of charge, and will prevent severe illness and death. No health insurance is needed. All vaccines underwent careful testing, received an Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA, and are closely monitored for any rare adverse side effects.”
Andrew Saray • May 18, 2021 at 10:49 pm
May 18th, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 (May 12, 2021), Paris Blanco wrote an article titled “COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What to Expect”. Paris talks about who eligible for the COVID vaccine and where to get them. I want to praise Paris for this informative article, not many people know where or how to get the vaccine and I think it’s great to inform our school where to get them. Paris mentions a government-run website called “My Turn” which is the primary way to schedule an appointment for the vaccine in California. This is very useful and I’m glad that Paris added this website to her article. In addition, Paris added an image to show who can get the vaccine, this is a great addition to the article because the image is very easy to read and the instructions are clear and straightforward. I also like how the article explains the process of getting the vaccine and what happens after. This article is very helpful and I’m glad you took the opportunity to inform others about the vaccine. The vaccine is free and simple to get but many people don’t know where to get them, this article will help many people who don’t already have the vaccine.
Sincerely,
Andrew Saray, Grade 12
Wendy • May 13, 2021 at 10:39 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 (May 11, 2021), Paris Blanco wrote an article titled “Covid-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What To Expect.” I absolutely appreciate this article. It displays infographics and a human experience. Not only that, but Blanco holds credible sources that relate to her main topic. Paris Blanco´s article was immensely helpful. It revealed locations where I can be vaccinated. Not only I but other people as well. The more people get this vaccination the safer they will become. I enjoyed reading this article because it was unbiased. It did not pressure people into getting a vaccine nor did it support not getting a vaccine. Blanco did a great job covering this topic. I honestly cannot wait until I get my vaccine. I will strongly encourage my sixteen-year-old sister to get hers as well. Upon deciding whether or not to get vaccinated I became extremely nervous. My reasoning behind this was the scary stories of the vaccine side effects. My parents both received the vaccine and they looked agonizing. Though, the student experience Blanco stated in this article made me rationalize my previous feeling. This vaccine is so accessible and free. This vaccination is an important step into getting our life back to normal.
Sincerely,
Wendy Ochoa, Grade 12
Jhoely Mora • May 13, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 [May 11, 2021], Paris Blanco wrote an article titled “COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What to Expect”. This article was very informative on the eligibility of the covid-19 vaccine. It allows for many students to be informed if they are eligible to receive the vaccine and how to make an appointment. From over hearing different students many did not know that they could receive the vaccine already. It’s calming to know that 16 and older can now get vaccinated. Hopefully the numbers for covid continue to decrease and life can get back to normal soon. As for myself I used the website that Ms.Blanco provided, I made my first and second appointment on Myturn.com and I selected the location of the convention center. It was super easy and super fast. Hardly no line and I did not have to get out of my car. The first dose was good. I just got arm soreness for one day, although the second dose was not so easy but it wasn’t bad. I got arm soreness for a day and a slight fever, headache and bone ache for a little over a day. I’m almost at my two week mark from my second dose so that means I’m almost fully vaccinated! Hopefully with the vaccine being so accessible many individuals will be encouraged to get vaccinated, it’s free, you don’t need to get off your vehicle and it’s quick.
Sincerely,
Jhoely Mora, Grade 12
Abby Rodriguez • May 12, 2021 at 11:49 pm
May 12, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 [ May 11, 2021] Paris Blanco wrote an article titled “COVID-19 Vaccine: How to Register and What to Expect.” In this article, Paris Blanco gives information on who is eligible to receive the COVID vaccine and where you can sign up to receive the vaccine. I like this article and how informative it is for people who may not know much about the vaccine. In this article, Paris Blanco included the quote from the governor of California Gavin Newsom in which he states “Today’s vaccine eligibility expansion is a major milestone in our state’s fight against the pandemic and another step on the path to reopening fully in the coming months. California will need all hands on deck to keep up this progress, and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.” Hopefully with more people becoming eligible to receive the vaccine
That people choose to get vaccinated and with this quote from the governor that it encourages people, that way we can start to ease back into a normal life. I also like how Blanco includes a quote from a Millikan student as well and the experience that he had with receiving his vaccine. Getting to know other people’s experiences with the process and how it went, especially if it is positive, takes off this stress and any worries you may have.
Thank you for writing this article with the updates on the vaccines. Also for including a picture of the things that we need to take with us to show proof of our age if we are receiving the vaccine.
Sincerely,
Abigail Rodriguez, Grade 12
Emma • May 12, 2021 at 10:36 pm
May 4, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 (May 11, 2021), Paris Blanco wrote an article titled “Covid-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What To Expect.” Thank you for writing this article, its very informative overall and especially for me since it is regarding my age group. Information on the vaccine is very important at these times since everyone is trying to get vaccinated to feel safer and slow the spread of COVID-19. I have been very concerned about others’ safety since the younger generation seems less prone to stay home. I myself have been fully vaccinated because I got lucky with an appointment but, it really is crucial that all age groups get vaccinated. I also know many people my age who continue to see friends and family and they aren’t vaccinated. This could be a huge risk for everyone and at least now with having access to getting the vaccine they can do it safely. As far as any suggestions I feel like the monitoring time should be increased to at least 25. I feel this way because of how I had a family member who got vaccinated and didn’t have their reaction in the 15-minute check window, she had to go to the hospital when she got home and I am sure that this has happened to some others. I also feel like it will make people feel more comfortable with getting vaccinated or getting their kids vaccinated because they will be under the watchful eye of health workers and trained professionals. Getting vaccinated is a very important step that we as individuals should take in order to get closer to getting back to normal, as Gavin Newsom said. It is our responsibility to do our part so that we can all go back to enjoying gatherings, concerts, and school events, etc.
Sincerely,
Emma Gastelum, Grade 12
Kaitlyn Lentz • May 12, 2021 at 1:49 pm
May 12, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In issue 8 (May 11, 2021) Paris Blanco wrote an article titled, “Covid-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What to Expect”. This article informs those who are not aware of our state’s vaccine process. She used quotes from our governor and a student who had the vaccine. I think this article can help those who are unsure of whether or not they should be vaccinated. This article was published shortly after people 16 and older qualify for the vaccine which is a big step in going back to “normal” or before Covid. I think it is important to be vaccinated as many businesses and colleges in California are requiring it. I just recently reached my 2 weeks since my second dose and now I am completely vaccinated, I try to convince as many people to also get vaccinated. I did not have any side effects from my first dose but I did have a sore arm for only a day from my second dose. I think the sore arm is worth going to college and feeling safe enough to be in large crowds. As more and more people are getting vaccinated and now younger kids ages 12-15 are becoming eligible for the vaccine I think in a few months we will be able to return to some activities we weren’t able to do while in quarantine.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Lentz, Grade 12
Audry Lopez • May 12, 2021 at 11:47 am
May 12, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In issue 8 [May 11, 2021], Paris Blanco published a news article regarding the COVID-19 vaccines “COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What to Expect”. This article is very useful because it gives the audience and readers information that they are still unsure about. She mentions how California has now recently allowed for teenagers of age 16 to get vaccinated. They are now eligible to schedule an appointment when they wish to. In addition she talks about how easy, and simple it is to go and get the vaccine, especially at a nearby location. Not only does she inform us about the vaccine and provides us with a useful website, but she gives us personal experience from students, teachers and staff when receiving the vaccine. I strongly feel that reading this article made me feel less worried about COVID-19 number rising. In the article, it states “Jennifer De Prez, “The vaccines are safe, free of charge, and will prevent severe illness and death. No health insurance is needed. All vaccines underwent careful testing, received an Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA, and are closely monitored for any rare adverse side effects.” Hopefully with many locations giving out free vaccines, our numbers will continue to decrease so that soon and everything will fall into place with time.
Sincerely ,
Audry Lopez Grade 12
Emma Garrett • May 12, 2021 at 9:46 am
May 12, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In issue 8 (May 11, 2021) Paris Blanco wrote an article titled Covid-19 Vaccines: how to register and what to expect. In the article Paris talks about the new Covid vaccines updates and who is now eligible. The new information she provided to the audience was very helpful and makes me feel hopeful more people can and will get vaccinated. The new eligibility in California is 16 years old and older to get vaccinated, this has been a very slow process for everyone but as more people can get vaccinated the closer we are to going back to normal. Blanco also brought up how the experience with getting vaccinated was for students and staff. Most of them mentioned it was very easy and fast. I also got my first dose of the vaccine and I made an appointment at a CVS location and I have my second dose scheduled for next week. Getting the vaccine was a very simple and a fast experience. The people at CVS made me feel very comfortable and safe while getting the shot. As we move forward and more people get vaccinated, I am very optimistic that we can go back to normal soon.
Sincerely,
Emma Garrett, Grade 12
Violeta Martinez • May 12, 2021 at 8:45 am
May 12, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 8 (May 11, 2021), Paris Blanco published an article on “Covid-19 Vaccines: How to Register and What To Expect.” This was such an informative article with specific details about Covid-19 vaccines, great work. It’s officially announced that all California residents who are 16 and older can receive the vaccine. They are now eligible to schedule an appointment whenever they like. As she said, the website “My Turn” is such a great way for California residents to search for a vaccination area around them. This website is a useful tool for people to obtain more information regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. In addition, The County of Los Angeles Public Health published an announcement outlining vaccination requirements. This is important for people who plan on getting vaccinated so they could come prepared before their appointment. As Governor Newsome said, “California will need all hands on deck to keep up this progress, and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.” Just as the Covid-19 cases are decreasing, it’s a good way to acknowledge how the vaccines are the only way for us to be able to end this pandemic. It is useful to spread the word about vaccinations, as more people decide on getting vaccinated the better it is for everything to go back to normal.
Sincerely,
Violeta Martinez, Grade 12